Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis
Former English rugby player, Lewis Moody, a World Cup champion, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease that affects motor neurons.
Moody, 47, shared the news after receiving the diagnosis two weeks ago. “There’s something about looking at the future head-on and not really wanting to process that right now,” Moody commented. “It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We understand it. But there’s absolutely a reluctance to look at the future head-on for now.”Lewis Moody was England captain from 2010 to 2011.Moody was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph and accumulated 71 international matches between 2001 and 2011. He played in all seven World Cup matches in Australia, and in the final against the hosts, he won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal.
In the club environment, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, finishing his career at Bath.
During his playing days, Moody was known for his tireless work and was considered a true team player. He was a ferocious tackler and excelled in the ruck area, being recognized as one of the best players of the professional era.
ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that often shortens life. Symptoms and the speed at which muscle weakness develops can vary between individuals. Currently, there is no cure.
Moody reported that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling weakness in his shoulder while at the gym. After physiotherapy, scans revealed damage to the nerves in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS.
“You get this ALS diagnosis and we’re pretty excited about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s happening,” Moody said. “I don’t feel sick. I don’t feel bad.”
My symptoms are very mild. I have a little muscle wear in my hand and shoulder. I am still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible.
Lewis Moody
Moody also expressed his gratitude for the support of the rugby community. “Rugby is a great community. I told the kids the other day, I’ve had an incredible life. Even if it ended now, I’ve enjoyed it all and embraced it all and I’ve been able to do it with incredible people. When you can call your passion your career, it’s one of the greatest privileges.”
In a social media post, Moody stated that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is receiving good support from his family and medical professionals.Lewis Moody (center) was a key player in England’s 2003 World Cup-winning team.Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and from professional play a year later.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced that it will provide support to Moody and his family.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney stated: “We are deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.”
The former Moody’s clubs also offered their support.
